Congressman Resigns Over Emails to Teen

Representative Mark Foley (R-FL) has resigned from Congress amid concerns and questions regarding emails and instant messages he sent to a teen boy. The communications have been described as worrisome, inappropriate, overly-friendly and sexually suggestive. In one instance, Foley requested that the boy send a picture of himself. However, scant details have been reported about the communications themselves but they must be damning enough. Congressman Foley skipped town as a result.

Current status of the scandal is that the Democrats are pointing fingers at the House Republican leadership for allegedly knowing about and trying to cover up Foley's indiscretions. The Foley event will surely be rolled into the Democrat campaign attack on a supposed Republican culture of corruption. Also being attacked is the inability to protect House pages. House Speaker Hastert will likely have to answer a slew of questions as investigations are conducted.

The impact of Foley's stunt on the November elections will hurt the Republicans. How much remains to be seen. However, since there are five weeks until the elections, plenty of time remains for all kinds of political mischief on both sides. Fasten your seat belts, voters. It will be a thrilling ride.

That said, I think it's odd that there have been no indications of Foley having a history of immorality. Without warning, a 52-year-old man develops a predeliction and decides to communicate with a teen boy in a lascivious manner? I don't think so. If all the allegations are true, there likely would be a track record of previous licentious behavior by Foley. Therefore, I believe Foley's past should be thoroughly examined.